Valerie June got her start playing Bluff City coffee houses. Now she’s a major Americana star, bringing her spiritual folk to people all over the world. She recently earned her first Grammy nomination for “Call Me A Fool,” a duet with another of Memphis’ favorite daughters, Carla Thomas, from her most recent album, 2021’s The Moon and the Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers.
The video for “Call Me A Fool” was directed by Sam Cannon, with art direction by another Memphis ex-pat, acclaimed photographer Tommy Kha. We can’t embed the “Call Me A Fool” video here, so you should slide over to YouTube and watch it at this link.
Val’s latest single — “Why the Bright Stars Glow,” in which she enlists the help of Stax star and living legend Mavis Staples — is another shot of hope from the dreadlocked songstress. For the one-take video, she referenced Prince’s classic “When Doves Cry” clip and doubled up the fun.
You can keep up with all the latest from Valerie June at her very prolific YouTube channel, where she leads guided meditations and drops gems like this one, a cover of Daniel Johnston’s “True Love Will Find You In The End.” This simple clip shows you Val’s raw talent. Even though she’ll be appearing with her band in big venues during her upcoming spring tour, she’s still got the charm and chops Memphians remember from the coffee shops.
If you would like to see your music video featured on Music Video Monday, email cmccoy@memphisflyer.com.